Follow the author of this article

Follow the topics within this article

It was not a performance to capture the imagination but no one said redemption for their worst World Cup showing for 80 years would be achieved overnight.

Germany’s first game since their embarrassing group stage exit in Russia 71 days ago ended in a goalless draw against world champions France on a night when their supporters seemed keen to consign that particular ignominy to the past, even if they were not in the mood to entirely forgive and forget.

Ilkay Gundogan’s introduction midway through the second half triggered a decidedly mixed reaction from the German crowd at a packed Allianz Arena and, if anything, will have done little to convince Mesut Ozil that he has made a mistake quitting the international set up.

The cheers for Gundogan may have outnumbered the jeers and his name was chanted lustily by some when encouraged by the PA but the applause could not drown out the audible whistles and it is clear there are elements of the German fanbase who are going to need more time to get over the Manchester City midfielder being photographed with Ozil alongside President Erdogan of Turkey on the eve of the World Cup.

Like Gundogan, Ozil is of Turkish descent and the Arsenal playmaker had cited racism behind the scapegoating that prompted him to turn his back on the national team. For the mostpart, though, this was a night when Germany seemed to want to move on.

Leroy Sane appeared for Germany against France after being omitted from their World Cup squadCredit:
Reuters

Fans in the south stand formed a heart shaped mosaic of German flags before kick off and the only nod to the past was a pointed reminder of happier times with the parading of four separate flags, each denoting the year of the country’s previous four World Cup triumphs.

On the pitch, Joachim Low will doubtless have been relieved to see an end to the defensive disarray that characterised their implosion in Russia, even if the coach seems to have resolved that the best way forward is essentially to preserve the status quo for now and gradually integrate the country’s younger talents over time.

Seven of the team that began that calamitous 2-0 defeat to South Korea in their final group game were entrusted to start here against France. Some performed better than others.

Marco Reus, Leon Goretska and Timo Werner were all subdued and ineffective but Joshua Kimmich impressed in an unfamiliar role anchoring the midfield, Mats Hummels was solid in defence and Toni Kroos assured as he so often is.

France had had the better chances up until Gundogan’s introduction, with Antoine Griezmann twice testing Manuel Neuer after Olivier Giroud had forced a good save from the Germany goalkeeper. Indeed, the only real mark the hosts had left on the game by that point was a gash across Benjamin Pavard’s neck after a crude challenge from Antonio Rudiger early on.

Kylian Mbappe tried to reproduce his World Cup heroics against GermanyCredit:
AFP

Germany looked a little uncertain in the first half, which was probably understandable in the circumstances. They were caught out a couple of times playing from the back and seemed reluctant to press with any particular urgency and intensity but, whether by accident or design, Gundogan’s arrival coincided with Germany stepping up the pace and, by the end, France were indebted to their debutant goalkeeper, Alphonse Areola, for shutting the Germans out.

Deputising for the injured Hugo Lloris in goal, Areola made an outstanding save to thwart Matthias Ginter’s header from a Kroos corner and he also had to have his wits about him to tip over a cross-cum-shot from Thomas Muller and beat away a thundering drive from Hummels. Gundogan then had an effort blocked.

Germany fans may have forgiven side for World Cup failings - but they won't forgetCredit:
Getty Images

France coach Didier Deschamps had begun the game with the same 10 outfield players who started against Croatia in the final in Moscow, but while Pavard and Lucas Hernandez equipped themselves well at full-back and N’Golo Kante was busy, this was another very indifferent showing from Paul Pogba.

It was certainly not the sort of display to have Barcelona rushing to write an enormous cheque for the unsettled Manchester United midfielder, who had gone into this match by once again casting doubt over his future at Old Trafford.

Ilkay Gundogan was introduced by Germany in the second halfCredit:
Getty Images

As Pogba proved in Russia, his talent is considerable but consistency continues to elude him, something Jose Mourinho knows only too well, and he never really looked like imposing his will on a match that, in truth, felt like a friendly in all but name.

Asked again about his future after the Germany game, Pogba added: “Rumours are rumours… but it’s not me who is talking. I’m trying to work on myself physically. I got back late (to pre-season) so I’m trying to perform as well as possible. I’m just trying to do my job. For the rest there will always be talk.”

It will take time for Germany to repair their reputation and heal some of the divisions that have taken hold but there are a lot worse starting points than this.